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Conservative Party on Europe

The UK’s role and influence within Europe has been a consistent political topic dating back to the Treaty of Rome in 1957 which established the European Economic Community. Since a national referendum in 1975 confirmed Britain’s entry into the common market, every treaty establishing further integration has increased the importance of "Europe" as a political issue. The key issues include (and are in no way limited to): the extent of the UK’s participation within the EU, enlargement of the EU, European Monetary Union and, most recently, the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

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The issues

Conservative Party strongly opposes the United Kingdom withdrawing from the European Union

"The Conservative Party believes Britain's interests are best served by membership of a European Union"

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Conservative Party strongly supports attempts by the UK government to repatriate policy control back from the EU over areas such as immigration, criminal justice and employment law.

"Powers that we believe should reside with Britain: we oppose harmonisation of policy on asylum, visas and immigration; Greater protection against EU encroachment into the UK's Criminal Justice System; Restoration of national control over social and employment legislation."

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Conservative Party strongly supports the view that prior to the ratification of the 2007 Lisbon Treaty by the UK government a referendum was needed

"David [Cameron] promised that if the Constitution was not in force at the time of the General Election, a Conservative Government would hold a referendum on it."

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Conservative Party supports European Union enlargement

"The Conservative Party is energetically in favour of Turkey’s accession to the European Union."

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Conservative Party strongly opposes further UK economic integration with the European Union with a view to entering economic and monetary union at some point

"A Conservative government would never scrap the Pound"

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